Nature and the Outdoor Learning Environment: The Forgotten Resource in Early Childhood Education.

“The whole playground is so much more engaging; the kids are neither overwhelmed nor bored. They didn’t run before... now they run. Our proudest moment has to be watching the children with the natural elements: flowers, branches, overcoming fear of bees, worms, butterflies , and crickets. ” (Childcare p rofessional at Munchkin Academy, Buxton, NC, describing the impact of enhancements to the center’s outdoor setting. )